AIA's Supplier Management Council

Creative Collaboration Working Group

A new era dawned for the SMC in 2002 when it decided to move from an issues-based organization to a relationship building organization, all the while keeping supplier issues in doing business with large companies in focus.

“Creative Collaboration” is defined as partnering in “out of the box” ways to bring value to partners.

SMC “Creative Collaboration” has a number of important initiatives that bring many benefits to its members.

Master Classes for Senior Supplier Executives. Master classes for senior supplier executives on important supplier business issues are taught by industry experts, mainly from AIA member companies, at SMC meetings. Since this initiative was established, classes have been given on Advanced Quality, “Lean” Initiative, Electronic Business, Negotiation of Subcontract Terms and Conditions, and Suppliers Managing Suppliers.

In 2004 classes are planned on Suppliers Code of Ethics (Fall 2004 SMC Meeting) and Growing an Engineering Capability (Fall 2004 SMC Meeting).

Education and training at the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). Members of the SMC are now eligible to attend DAU. The response of the SMC members to this opportunity has been overwhelmingly positive.
Networking with the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC). At the Farnborough Air Show in July 2002 and planned again for 2004, members from the SMC and SBAC exchange information on supplier issues, including the relationship of their associations with their governments.
Legislative Activities. The SMC works closely with AIA’s staff to develop a legislative agenda for suppliers and to coordinate meetings with elected officials in their districts and in Washington, D.C. SMC meetings frequently include workshops on legislative initiatives for the supply base, customer-supplier political influence, and how to become politically connected.
Awareness Initiatives. Small Disadvantaged and Women-Owned Small Businesses members are provided an opportunity to talk with host company personnel about their capabilities at AIA’s regional meetings. Host companies are also provided an opportunity to learn about the suppliers attending meetings at their facilities.
Database of associate member capabilities. A keyword searchable on database of associate member capabilities on AIA’s password protected Web site is an important tool for buyers to find suppliers for subcontract requirements.

The SMC will continue to seek out opportunities that benefit both AIA and associate members of the Supplier Management Council. In 2004, we will build upon “creative collaboration” to “supply chain integration.” We are defining the relationship, the tools, and requirements necessary to help associate members become an integral part of the integrated supply chain.